the internal bloom

I think in pictures. Some tests call me a visual learner. I think I’ve said that one too many times. Nonetheless, I had the privilege of visiting a friend today who heard the words “you have stage 3 cancer” just under 3 weeks ago. I am not sure what I was expecting to see. Maybe a stiff, gaunt-looking, tired woman who was trying to seem happy to see me while fighting back her real concern about it all.

But the truth was so unexpected. Instead, today I saw hope. “I can already see the good in this,” she said. “I have been praying for several things. I didn’t expect Him to answer them like this, but I see things happening because of this situation.” Her smile was sincere and her energy was surprising. She asked about me like she always does and we talked as if nothing was different. I asked how she was handling it all and she said, “Rebecca, I have never felt the presence of God like I do right now.”

No, she is not cured, and yes she has a long road ahead of her. But today, when I looked at a woman who’s grim reality shook hands with her faith I saw an internal bloom. A beautiful blossom that was just beginning to show its petals.

“We rejoice when we suffer, knowing that suffering brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:3-5

bippidy boppidy boo

the other night a few friends were talking about the many times we would like to cast a spell on certain people. usually, this is reserved for frustrating experiences for which we wish we had a solution, way out, or recompense but in reality do not. do you have situations that you wish you could solve with a bippidy boppidy boo?

watch out for foreigners on the roads

okay…so, yesterday as i’m coming home from work, I pull up to a heavily trafficked intersection and notice a car that has pulled up way past the line and is motionless in the center of the intersection. I look through the windshield to notice a foreign looking guy and I think “must be an exchange student who obviously doesn’t know the rules.”

Just then my light changes and I hesitate… not knowing whether I should deliberately drive around the car in the middle of the intersection or just wait. After realizing that the foreigner is also hesitating, I just go for it as his car suddenly pulls forward and then slams on its brakes to avoid hitting me. I finally get through the intersection still unaware of what will happen to that guy stuck in the middle.

A minute later my cell rings and it is Bradford Gibson. As soon as I answer, I hear “my apologies” …you guessed it. Maybe Brad is extra tan these days. Needless to say…watch out for those foreigners.

hello america

Yes, as many of you know, a couple of our friends said hello to millions of americans tonight…Kris Allen and Cale Mills (that was not your mind playing tricks on you). We have been long awaiting Kris’ debut. And although I disagreed with the show’s editors who decided to show only one line from his song, we all could clearly see the reason he is Hollywood bound in that small beautiful blurb. Wow…hundreds of thousands and he made it…Please join me in following this once in a lifetime experience. (Oh—and although Cale’s attempts to join Kris in Hollywood failed, he did manage to get his picturesque face on the show accompanied by his guitar and large pillow while walking into the sunset. How perfect). Thank God for DVR!!!!